Real Mallorca midfielder Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta to join Athletic Club

Real Mallorca manager Javier Aguirre has confirmed that one of his key midfielders, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, will be leaving the club in the summer to join Athletic Club on a free transfer.

Ruiz de Galarreta has had a long career, passing through a number of teams such as Barcelona Atletic, Real Zaragoza, and Las Palmas before landing at Real Mallorca. At Los Bermellones, he excelled, winning a starting place in their promotion campaign.

Speaking to Diario AS after their 1-1 draw with Athletic Club on Monday night, Aguirre said, "Galarreta is an extraordinary boy, an educated and very correct boy, who always adds to the dressing room. As a player, I was pleasantly surprised and he caught my attention. It is a luxury to have him and enjoy him and it is a pity that he is going to leave because he is a footballer who is making a leap in quality for the squad."

Despite the disappointment of losing a key player, Aguirre understands Ruiz de Galarreta's decision to join his beloved Athletic Club. "Next year he will be close to home, in the team he loves (Athletic), where he came from. It is a decision, his, that hurts my soul and that I think will also affect all the Mallorcanismo, but I think he is a perfect player for Los Leones, that is the truth. Inigo deserves our respect, he is a boy we are going to miss."

Ruiz de Galarreta has made 29 appearances this season, scoring once and picking up 12 yellow cards. He is likely to compete for a place in the Athletic midfield, although Mikel Vesga is currently first choice. Galarreta can look to displace Dani Garcia from his spot at San Mames. With his current contract up in the summer, Ruiz de Galarreta will move to Athletic Clubs on a free transfer.